By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Sporting hair dyed blue and orange to honor his move to the New York Knicks, Jeremy Sochan addressed the media during his introductory press conference on Wednesday.
“I’m just seizing whatever opportunity I get. One of the reasons I picked New York is the depth. It’s a very talented roster, and I think it’s a cool opportunity to watch and grow from them,” explained the Polish power forward. “I still think I’m young, so being around established players who have done so much in this league is a crazy opportunity for me.”
Since being selected ninth overall in the 2022 draft out of Baylor, Sochan has appeared in 212 NBA games, all with the San Antonio Spurs. However, his 2025-26 campaign was uncharacteristically quiet, limited to 28 appearances with 4.1 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per contest at the top of the Regular Season.
“In my whole career, even looking past the NBA, I’ve never just sat on the bench getting DNPs. You go through a process of questioning what’s happening. It can be stressful,” Sochan admitted. “But I came from England, where basketball isn’t huge. I know my worth and what I can bring to a team, and I’m blessed this organization sees that. I’m just excited for a fresh slate.”
“I think I was very professional, and I was staying ready. I never got the opportunity,” he added regarding the end of his tenure in San Antonio under head coach Mitch Johnson.
Sitting third in the Eastern Conference with a 35-20 record, the Knicks resume action following the All-Star break on Thursday, welcoming the conference-leading Detroit Pistons in Madison Square Garden.
Sochan’s arrival is expected to impact the minutes of French rookie Mohamed Diawara, who has enjoyed a solid rotation run under head coach Mike Brown. However, Brown made it clear that rotation spots remain merit-based.
“I’ll play young guys over veterans if they earn it. I’ve done it before,” underlined the 55-year-old play-caller. “I’m going to play whoever is best for us. Right now, Jeremy is new and hasn’t played for us yet. I have to see rather quickly what we have in him before we head into the playoffs.”
In injury news, British OG Anunoby is listed as questionable for the Pistons matchup due to a toenail avulsion. Despite the injury, the 28-year-old wing is expected to attempt a return after a four-game absence. “There’s a lot of pain,” Anunoby noted, confirming the nail had been removed. “It’s an open wound.”